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39619 Bathtub Shower Handle Remodel/Rebuild Trim Kit2.5 inches x 2.4 inches2.4 x 2.5 x 2.5 inchesCheck on Amazon
For most remodels that keep the existing three-wall alcove, an acrylic alcove tub from a major maker such as Kohler (for example the Archer) is the easiest swap, a cast-iron or enameled steel tub such as the Kohler Bellwether or Villager suits buyers who prioritize a solid, heat-holding feel, and a freestanding acrylic soaker suits bathrooms where the layout, floor strength, and plumbing allow it. The right tub is decided by three measurements before any style: the alcove length and width, the drain and overflow position, and the floor’s ability to carry the filled weight. This guide attributes specifications to makers and to reviewers, treats heavy and plumbing work conservatively, and recommends hiring a licensed plumber or contractor for installation.
Remodel Tub Types at a Glance
| Type / example | Material (as stated by makers) | Typical fit | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic alcove tub, e.g. Kohler Archer | Acrylic with reinforcement | Three-wall alcove, common 60 by 30 inch size | Like-for-like swaps with minimal rework | Can scratch; depends on subfloor support |
| Enameled steel tub, e.g. Kohler Villager | Steel with porcelain enamel | Alcove, standard sizes | Budget to mid-range, lighter than cast iron | Louder when filling; heat retention is lower than cast iron |
| Cast-iron tub, e.g. Kohler Bellwether | Cast iron with enamel | Alcove or other layouts | Durable finish, retains heat | Very heavy; confirm floor and access route |
| Fiberglass or fiberglass-reinforced tub-shower unit | Fiberglass reinforced plastic | Alcove, one-piece or multi-piece | Lowest-cost refresh | Shorter finish life; flexes without good support |
| Freestanding acrylic soaker, e.g. Woodbridge | Acrylic | Needs clear floor area and plumbing relocation | Design statement, deep soak | Needs floor-mounted or deck-mounted fixtures; may need new drain location |
| Walk-in or low-threshold tub | Acrylic or fiberglass | Alcove, specialized | Accessibility remodels | Higher cost tier; door seals need care |
Measure Before You Browse
Alcove size and hand
Measure the alcove wall-to-wall length, back wall width, and height to the faucet and drain. A common alcove size is 60 inches long by 30 or 32 inches wide, but older homes can differ. Also note the drain hand. A left-hand or right-hand drain is determined from the viewpoint of someone standing outside the tub looking at it, and mixing it up is a common and expensive mistake. Some makers sell tubs with reversible or center-drain options for different layouts.
Bathtub and Shower 3-Handle 39619 Remodel/Rebuild Trim Kit for Price Pfister Verve Faucets, Knob Handles 12H-2H, 12H-2C, 12H-18D Stems (Brushed Nickel Finish)
Chosen because it specifies Knob Handles 12H-2H and 12H-2C.
View on Amazon39619 Bathtub Shower Handle Remodel/Rebuild Trim Kit, Shower Knob 3 Piece for Price Pfister Verve Faucets, Includes 12H-2H, 12H-2C, 12H-18D Stems and Tubs knob Handle and Flange Base (Brushed Nickel)
Chosen because it specifies Shower Knob 3 Piece for Price Pfister Verve Faucets and Includes 12H-2H.
View on Amazon
39619 Bathtub Shower Handle Remodel/Rebuild Trim Kit, Shower Knob 3 Piece for Price Pfister Verve Faucets, Includes 12H-2H, 12H-2C, 12H-18D Stems and Tubs knob Handle and Flange Base (Matte Black)
Chosen because it specifies Shower Knob 3 Piece for Price Pfister Verve Faucets and Includes 12H-2H.
View on AmazonFloor and structure
A filled cast-iron tub with a bather can weigh several hundred pounds more than a lighter acrylic tub, and freestanding soakers hold a lot of water. Check manufacturer specifications for dry and filled weight, and ask a contractor or structural engineer if the floor joists or subfloor are in question. Do not skip this step on upper floors or older homes.
Access route
A tub that will not fit through a door, hallway, or stair turn is a problem. Measure the path to the bathroom. Cast-iron tubs are especially hard to move; some remodelers cut or break an old cast-iron tub to remove it, and local rules about disposal may apply.
Plumbing and fixtures
Alcove tubs usually use wall-mounted valves and spout. Freestanding tubs need floor- or deck-mounted fixtures and often a relocated drain, which can add significant cost and work. Check overflow style and whether the maker lists a drain kit, because many tubs ship without the drain assembly. A licensed plumber should handle valve and drain work, and local building codes may require permits.
Wall surround and waterproofing
The tub is only part of the system. Plan the wall surround, whether tile, a solid-surface panel, or fiberglass, and the waterproofing behind it. Water getting into the wall is the main long-term risk in a remodel, so follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and consult a pro.
Material Notes
Acrylic
Acrylic tubs are widely sold at many price points and are lighter than cast iron. Makers describe a glossy finish with fiberglass or resin reinforcement. Reviewers like how they feel warm to the touch and note that the surface can scratch, though some light scratches can be polished according to maker instructions. Check the maker’s warranty terms.
Enameled steel
Steel tubs have a porcelain enamel coat. Makers position them as durable and cost-conscious. Reviewers note that they can make noise when filling and may not hold heat as long as cast iron. A sound-dampening coating or insulation can help, and it depends on the product.
Cast iron
Cast iron has a long reputation for durability and heat retention. The tradeoff is weight, cost, and the structural planning it requires. Enamel can chip if hit by a hard object, and repairs vary by maker.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass tub-shower units are the lowest-cost refresh and quick to install. Reviewers note they are less durable than acrylic or cast iron and can flex if not properly supported.
Pick X If You Want…
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Acrylic alcove tub such as Kohler Archer | want a straightforward swap with moderate weight |
| Enameled steel such as Kohler Villager | want a durable finish at a lower budget tier |
| Cast iron such as Kohler Bellwether | want a heavy, long-lasting tub and have a strong floor |
| Fiberglass tub-shower unit | need the lowest-cost, fast refresh |
| Freestanding acrylic soaker | have floor space, plumbing flexibility, and want a design focal point |
| Walk-in or low-threshold tub | need easier entry for mobility reasons and have professional installation |
Budget Tiers
- Budget: fiberglass units and basic steel tubs. They keep the project low-cost and are easier to carry.
- Mid-range: acrylic alcove tubs and mid-grade steel from major makers.
- Premium: cast iron, freestanding soakers, and specialty tubs. Expect more labor for support and plumbing.
Installation labor, wall surround, valves, and permits often outweigh the price of the tub itself, so budget the whole project, not just the tub.
Installation and Safety Notes
Hire licensed professionals for plumbing and any electrical work, such as a whirlpool pump or heated feature. Whirlpool and air-jet tubs require a dedicated, protected circuit and an access panel for the pump, so consult an electrician and follow the manufacturer’s manual. Make sure the subfloor is level and supported as the maker specifies. Follow cure and drying times for any adhesive, mortar, or sealant. If you are replacing an older tub, test for hazardous materials such as lead paint or asbestos in the surrounding surfaces before demolition if the home is older, and follow local rules.
Alternatives
- Tub liner or refinishing: a liner or refinishing service can refresh a tub without removing it. Quality and longevity vary.
- Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower: common in accessibility and space-saving remodels.
- Soaking tub in a corner or drop-in layout: needs framing and decking but offers more design options.
Remodel Planning Checklist
Before ordering, write down the measurements and constraints in one place: alcove length and width, drain hand, distance from the floor to the faucet and showerhead, floor type, and the route into the room. Compare these to the maker’s spec sheet, which usually lists exterior dimensions, interior bathing length, depth to the overflow, and weight. The interior size can be noticeably smaller than the footprint, so a soaking-depth tub may not feel as large as the outside suggests.
Next, decide how the tub will be supported. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs generally need a solid base, often a mortar bed or a manufacturer-approved support, so the shell does not flex underfoot. Steel and cast-iron tubs have different support needs, and installation instructions differ by maker. Following the instruction sheet is the single most important step for avoiding creaks, cracks, and warranty issues.
Plan the order of work. A common sequence is demolition and floor inspection, rough plumbing, tub set, wall framing and waterproofing, surround installation, valve trim, and finish caulking. Test the drain and overflow for leaks before closing the wall or setting the surround, since a leak found later is far more expensive to fix. Ask your contractor about permits, inspections, and dust and lead precautions in older homes, and keep receipts and the manufacturer’s paperwork for warranty claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common tub size for a remodel?
Many alcoves are 60 inches long, with widths around 30 to 32 inches. Always measure your actual alcove, because older homes vary.
Do I need to know left-hand or right-hand drain?
Yes. The drain side is determined as you face the tub from outside, and makers sell left and right versions. Choosing the wrong one can force plumbing changes.
Will a cast-iron tub work on my second floor?
It may, but cast iron is heavy when empty and much heavier filled. Ask a contractor or structural professional to confirm the floor can carry it before purchase.
Is acrylic or cast iron better?
Neither is better for everyone. Acrylic is lighter and warmer to the touch, while cast iron has a durable enamel finish and holds heat. Your floor, budget, and removal route usually decide it.
Can I install a bathtub myself?
It is possible for experienced DIYers, but plumbing connections, waterproofing, and structure are easy to get wrong. A licensed plumber or contractor reduces the risk of leaks, and local codes may require a permit.
Does the tub come with a drain and faucet?
Often not. Many makers sell drains and valves separately, so read the listing to see what is included before buying.
